Seven months after the sudden death of Barbara Dawson of Blountstown, her family has filed a federal lawsuit against Calhoun-Liberty Hospital, two hospital employees, the City of Blountstown, and a former Blountstown police officer.

The incident began Dec. 20, 2015, when Dawson was taken by ambulance around 10:30 p.m. After being treated in the emergency room for high blood pressure, abdominal pains and respiratory problems, hospital staff released Dawson around 4 a.m. However, she refused to leave. Dawson told nurses Drew Peacock and Jennifer Waldorff she was having difficulty breathing.

The hospital staff eventually contacted the Blountstown Police Department and Ofc. John Tadlock arrived on the scene and tried to reason with Dawson. She still refused to leave and was eventually forcibly removed. A short time later in the parking lot, Dawson collapsed. She was eventually readmitted by a doctor and passed away from what was later revealed to be a pulmonary embolism.

Here is a breakdown of the four counts named in the lawsuit:
Count 1: False Imprisonment
The lawsuit alleges Ofc. Tadlock, Peacock, and Waldorff detained Dawson without legal authority and because of that unlawful detention, she suffered injuries resulting in her death. The hospital and City are also named in this count.

Count 2: Violation of Florida Statute 395.1041
This statute requires every hospital provide emergency care to any person requesting it. The lawsuit alleges Peacock and Waldorff failed to fulfill their duties in their scope of employment with the hospital.

Count 3: Battery
The lawsuit alleges Ofc. Tadlock, Peacock and Waldorff intentionally touched Dawson against her will, then forcibly tried to place her in a police cruiser. It states the hospital and City are both liable for the conduct of their employees.

Count 4: Civil Rights Claim Against City and John Tadlock
The lawsuit alleges Ofc. Tadlock unlawfully arrested, seized and detained Dawson, despite her protests that she couldn’t breathe and needed medical attention. It further states Ofc. Tadlock violated her Fourth Amendment rights to be free from unlawful arrest and seizures.

Dawson’s family is seeking damages, attorney fees and a trial by jury.

Hospital spokesperson Sandi Poreda has released the following statement:
“We're reviewing the complaint filed in federal court and we look forward to the opportunity to respond to the allegations made. In the wake of the incident with Ms. Dawson, our hospital has made substantial improvements in staff training as well as policies and procedures. We have also worked hard to regain the trust of our community, working hand in hand with our hospital task force to identify ways we can address community concerns. Our community needs this hospital - it provides critical care to those who may not survive the hour-long trip to the next closest facility. We will work extremely hard to be able to continue providing that essential service to the residents of Calhoun and Liberty counties.”